Wise hunts for stablecoin payments lead to steer $10bn fintech’s digital assets push

Core Insights - Wise, a $9.7 billion fintech company, is entering the cryptocurrency market by hiring a digital asset crypto lead to develop blockchain-based payment solutions [1][7] - Historically, Wise has avoided cryptocurrency, relying instead on traditional financial systems for international money transfers, which amount to $40 billion per quarter [2][3] Company Strategy - Wise's leadership previously believed that blockchain technology was not necessary for their operations, citing inefficiencies in the technology and a lack of bank adoption [4][3] - The company is now shifting its stance as the cryptocurrency landscape evolves, particularly following regulatory changes in the U.S. that have spurred growth in the stablecoin market, which recently surpassed a market cap of $300 billion [5][6] Market Context - The cryptocurrency market is projected to grow significantly, with estimates suggesting it could reach $1.2 trillion by 2028 according to Coinbase, $2 trillion by Standard Chartered, and over $4 trillion by Citi by 2030 [6] - This growth has prompted other financial institutions and fintech firms to explore or launch cryptocurrency-related services, indicating a broader industry trend that Wise is now joining [6] Recruitment and Role - The company is actively seeking a digital assets product lead for its London team, offering a competitive salary of up to £145,000 (approximately $194,600) [8] - The role aims to enhance customer experience by integrating digital asset management within Wise accounts, maintaining the convenience associated with fiat currency transactions [8]